الوسم: Hamas

  • Who is Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ New Leader?

    Who is Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ New Leader?

    Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent Hamas leader who survived an Israeli raid in Qatar last September and is considered to have strong connections with Iran, was officially appointed as the overall head of the Palestinian organization on Monday.

    Hayya, who lost a son in the Gaza conflict and two others in previous wars, has been residing with other Hamas leaders in Doha. His influence within the group has grown as several top Hamas officials, including Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Iran and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, have been killed by Israeli strikes.

    Throughout the Gaza war that began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hayya played a central role in ceasefire negotiations. These talks, which were mostly indirect and facilitated by the United States, resulted in a ceasefire in October 2025 that ended major hostilities in Gaza. Despite this, Israel has continued its strikes against Hamas and other groups it claims pose an immediate threat.

    Hayya, 64 years old, has become regarded as the most influential Hamas figure abroad, especially following Haniyeh’s death in Iran in July 2024. He is part of a five-member leadership council based in Qatar, which has led the organization since Sinwar was martyred last year. Originally from Gaza, Hayya is a seasoned member of Hamas and maintains close ties to Iran. He has been actively involved in multiple efforts to broker ceasefires with Israel, including ending the 2014 conflict and trying to halt the current Gaza violence.

    Since Hamas’s founding in 1987, Hayya has been a key member. In the early 1980s, he joined the Muslim Brotherhood alongside Haniyeh and Sinwar. His history with Israel includes multiple detentions, and in 2007, an Israeli airstrike targeted his family home in Gaza, killing several relatives. His son Hamza was also killed by an Israeli strike in 2008. During the 2014 Gaza war, Hayya’s eldest son Osama’s house was bombed, killing him, his wife, and their three children.

    Hayya has spent time outside Gaza, serving as Hamas’s liaison to the Arab and Islamic worlds, and has been based in Qatar. He accompanied Haniyeh on a trip to Tehran in July, during which Haniyeh was martyred. Hayya has publicly stated that the October 7 attack was intended as a limited operation to seize soldiers for a hostage exchange, but he claims the Israeli military “completely collapsed.” He believes this attack has reignited the international focus on the Palestinian cause.

    Since Hamas’s attack on Israel, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli response, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Besides engaging in mediated negotiations for a ceasefire, Hayya has carried out significant political activities for Hamas, including a 2022 mission to Syria to repair diplomatic ties with Bashar al-Assad, which had been strained after Hamas endorsed the uprising against Assad a decade earlier. This reconciliation was crucial in restoring a regional alliance formed by Iran to oppose Israel and the United States.

  • UN to Blacklist Israel Over Sexual Violence in Conflict, Envoy Says

    UN to Blacklist Israel Over Sexual Violence in Conflict, Envoy Says

    Israeli soldiers embrace upon returning from Gaza amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in southern Israel, February 29, 2024. — Reuters

    – This is a political decision, says Israeli envoy, disconnected from facts and reality.
    – “Israel has decided to sever all ties with the UN Secretary-General’s Office.”
    – Guterres expresses grave concern over violations by Israeli forces.

    GENEVA: Israel’s UN ambassador announced his country has been placed on a UN blacklist for sexual violence in conflict zones, alongside Hamas.

    “This is a political move, completely detached from facts and reality,” said Danny Danon on X, referencing a report scheduled for publication soon. He added he learned about it during a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to a statement from the Israeli UN mission.

    Guterres’ annual report to the Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence, released last August, warned that Israel and Russia could be added to a list of parties “credibly suspected” of committing patterns of sexual violence, including rape and other abuses, during the current year.

    The UN in Geneva and Hamas have not immediately responded to Reuters’ inquiries.

    Danon also criticized the comparison of Israel to Hamas, calling it a “new low,” and said Israel had responded in detail to each allegation, inviting UN officials for visits that were declined.

    Late Thursday, Israel’s foreign ministry said it would cut all contact with Guterres, citing his alleged dishonesty and unprofessionalism. “Given Antonio Guterres’s actions, Israel will sever all ties with his office and wait for a new UN Secretary-General,” the ministry posted on X.

    In response to Danon’s comments, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated, “From the Secretary-General’s perspective, his door remains open to Israeli representatives, as well as the other 192 member states and two observer states.”

    Guterres’ warning in August stemmed from documented concerns over certain patterns of sexual violence, which he called “significant.” At the time, Danon dismissed these concerns as unfounded.

    Guterres noted concerns about credible reports of violations by Israeli armed and security forces against Palestinians in various detention facilities and bases. Hamas, which launched a retaliatory attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking the Gaza conflict, was listed in the report as a group “credibly suspected” of sexual violence during wartime. Hamas has firmly denied these allegations.

  • Trump Persuaded Netanyahu to Agree—Can He Maintain the Support?

    Trump Persuaded Netanyahu to Agree—Can He Maintain the Support?

    President Donald Trump, who has styled himself as a peace broker aiming for a Nobel Prize, scored a diplomatic win Monday when global leaders gathered in Egypt to endorse the ceasefire and hostage exchange he facilitated between Israel and Hamas.

    However, for true peace to endure, analysts and diplomats believe Trump must continue applying pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, whose support will be crucial in subsequent negotiations.

    Historically, U.S. presidents from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden have found Netanyahu challenging to collaborate with. Even officials within the Trump administration expressed frustration over certain Israeli military actions they viewed as counterproductive to U.S. policies.

    This month, Trump managed to persuade Netanyahu to endorse a broader peace framework while also convincing other Middle Eastern nations to urge Hamas to free all Israeli captives, which is pivotal leverage in the conflict.

    Nevertheless, the path forward may grow more complex. Disagreements remain between Israel and Hamas regarding many elements of Trump’s 20-point plan. As Israel gears up for elections next year, Netanyahu’s strategies may shift to keep his right-wing coalition intact.

    “With an election cycle underway, Netanyahu’s decisions may pivot from capitulating to pressure to focus on his political survival,” noted Nimrod Goren, head of the Israeli foreign policy think tank Mitvim.

    The strength of Trump’s peace approach also presents its weaknesses. The agreement’s core document leaves many specifics undefined, with neither side having committed to the finer details. This ambiguity was crucial in securing their signatures, but it signifies that critical diplomacy lies ahead.

    One potential obstacle is the demand that Hamas disarm and have no role in Gaza’s future governance. While Hamas broadly agreed to Trump’s plan, their official response didn’t specify this condition, and Hamas leaders have indicated they envision a governing role in a post-war Gaza.

    “There are numerous ways this could go awry,” warned Jon Alterman, a Middle East expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and a former State Department official.

    “The agreement leaves much to be resolved later, which is unusual in international accords,” he added.

    The Israeli embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    A senior U.S. official mentioned that Trump’s influence over Netanyahu has been partly bolstered by his strong support for key Israeli priorities, including the formal recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and the annexation of the Golan Heights—long-standing goals of the Israeli government.

    “President Trump hasn’t sought to be a neutral broker in Israel,” the official explained. “He’s backed Israel wholeheartedly, which has allowed him to steer them in the right direction.”

    Trump’s track record with Netanyahu has been mixed regarding political pressure. In July, Israel bombed Syria’s defense ministry in Damascus, despite U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with the Syrian government. For months, Trump publicly supported Netanyahu amid mounting humanitarian concerns voiced by European and Arab allies.

    More recently, Trump has adopted a tougher stance. He compelled Netanyahu, in a call to Qatar’s leader after a failed bombing in Qatar aimed at Hamas negotiators, and ultimately succeeded in securing Netanyahu’s endorsement of his peace plan despite Netanyahu’s misgivings.

    According to Alterman, Trump’s current popularity in Israel gives him significant leverage over Netanyahu: “Trump is more popular among Israelis than Netanyahu himself, so he can influence Netanyahu’s political future—either supporting or undermining it.”

    During a speech before Israel’s parliament Monday, Trump teased Netanyahu, saying, “Now you can be a little nicer because you’re not at war anymore,” drawing laughs and signaling a lack of particular deference to the Israeli leader.

    Next year’s elections could still shift Netanyahu’s calculus. Supporters of right-wing figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich might oppose halting military actions in Gaza, potentially forcing Netanyahu to abandon parts of Trump’s agreement.

    Some analysts warn that delays by Hamas in disarming or fulfilling obligations could prompt right-wing factions to pressure Netanyahu into resuming military operations, undermining the peace deal.

    “Given Hamas’s ongoing stance to retain power in Gaza, we’re concerned that partial commitments won’t be enough,” said Simcha Rothman, a member of Netanyahu’s coalition. “We’re not satisfied until Hamas fully surrenders. Anything less is unacceptable.”

    Another sticking point involves language within the plan that leaves open the possibility of a future Palestinian state—something many Israelis may reject following Hamas’s October 7 attack.

    Former U.S. ambassador Dan Shapiro noted that such opposition could dissuade Arab nations from pressing Hamas to meet its commitments under the agreement. “Including that in the plan was vital to garner Arab support,” he explained. “If Israel’s political discourse rejects the idea of a Palestinian state entirely, it could diminish Arab participation in the process.”

  • Why Hamas Risked Gaza Hostages for a Gamble

    Why Hamas Risked Gaza Hostages for a Gamble

    Hamas has criticized Donald Trump, labeling him a racist, describing him as a “recipe for chaos,” and dismissing his vision for Gaza as absurd. However, a significant phone conversation last month appeared to sway Hamas’s view, suggesting they saw potential in the U.S. president’s influence over Israel to push for peace, even if Hamas agreed to release all its hostages, which it currently uses as leverage in Gaza.

    During the widely covered call, Trump connected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Qatar’s prime minister after a White House meeting in September. Trump apologized to Qatar for an Israeli strike on a residential complex in Doha that housed Hamas officials. Although the bombing did not kill any Hamas leaders, including senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, it gave Hamas new confidence that Trump could stand up to Netanyahu and was committed to ending the conflict in Gaza.

    Following the signing of a ceasefire brokered by Trump on Wednesday, Hamas’s confidence in his commitments was reinforced, even though Trump earlier this year proposed policies such as expelling Palestinians from Gaza and transforming it into a US-controlled resort town.

    Under the terms of the deal that went into effect Friday, Hamas agreed to release its hostages without securing agreement on a full Israeli withdrawal. Two Hamas officials admitted this was a risky move that depended heavily on Trump’s personal commitment to prevent the deal from falling apart. Hamas leaders are acutely aware that their gamble could backfire, fearing that Israel might resume military operations after the hostages are freed, as happened after a ceasefire in January that Trump’s team also helped negotiate.

    Despite these concerns, Hamas felt reassured enough by the presence of Trump’s close advisers and regional powerbrokers to sign the ceasefire, even as many of its core demands, including moves toward establishing a Palestinian state, remained unaddressed. Trump’s enthusiasm was palpable during the talks, with reports indicating he personally called multiple times while aides such as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff engaged with Israeli and Qatari negotiators.

    While this process may pave the way to ending the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that sparked the conflict, there is no guarantee that subsequent phases of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan will be implemented. Nonetheless, Hamas’s negotiators gained confidence from Trump’s previous actions—such as the Qatar strikes and the June ceasefire that halted a 12-day Israeli war with Iran—believing he would not allow Israel to immediately resume fighting after the hostages are released.

    Multiple sources, including Palestinian officials, Hamas members, and American officials, shared insights into the negotiations. These discussions also indicated that Trump’s frustration with Netanyahu over the Qatar strikes was being used to pressure Israel into accepting a framework for ending the Gaza conflict. Trump’s ties with Gulf states, notably Qatar, have been strong, and his public assurances—such as promising no further Israeli attacks on Qatar—boosted Hamas’s confidence that the ceasefire would hold.

    Hamas also noted Trump’s public call for a halt to hostilities between Iran and Israel, including his order on Twitter for Israeli planes to “turn around and head home” during a planned attack on Iran in June. This demonstrated Trump’s willingness to enforce ceasefire commitments.

    Negotiations historically faced hurdles, with disagreements over how quickly Israeli troops would withdraw and whether Hamas could gather and release hostages while Israel retained control of parts of Gaza. To break the deadlock, regional leaders, including Qatar’s prime minister, traveled to Sharm el-Sheikh, with U.S. envoys and aides joining the talks, which were further bolstered by Turkey’s involvement due to its close ties to Hamas and recent meetings with Trump.

    Hamas has long maintained that it would only release hostages in exchange for a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal and a resolution to the conflict. Israel, in turn, insists that it will only cease fighting once all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled. Neither side has achieved these aims in full, leaving ongoing issues to be addressed in future negotiations.

    An important turning point was mediators’ success in persuading Hamas that holding hostages might be detrimental, as it could erode support among global players and weaken its position. Despite lacking formal legal guarantees, Hamas has received verbal reassurances from the United States and regional mediators that Trump intends to uphold the deal and prevent Israel from resuming military operations once the hostages are freed.

    Hamas leaders are aware that their decision involves risk. The previous attempt to release all hostages simultaneously, with Trump’s backing, fell apart when he demanded an immediate, unconditional release; the subsequent breakdown led to increased Palestinian casualties and ongoing hostilities. Nonetheless, the current negotiations seem more promising, with multiple regional and international players motivated to push for a durable ceasefire.

    Trump’s upcoming Middle East visit, described as a strategic move by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is expected to reinforce the agreement’s implementation, even amid unresolved details. The overall atmosphere suggests a cautious hope that this round of talks could bring a meaningful halt to the Gaza conflict, contingent on continued regional and international support.

  • Gaza Palestinians Celebrate Ceasefire Deal with Love

    Gaza Palestinians Celebrate Ceasefire Deal with Love

    Palestinians in southern Gaza erupted into applause, cheers, and dance in the early morning hours Thursday after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement to bring an end to the two-year-long conflict in the region. A group of around a dozen young men chanted joyful slogans of “Allahu akbar” outside Khan Yunis’s Nasser Hospital, with one individual hoisting another onto his shoulders. An individual wearing a press vest, clearly a journalist, was also seen carried above the crowd, speaking into a microphone.

    Abdelmajid Abedrabbo, a resident of southern Gaza, expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank God for this ceasefire. Thankful for the end of bloodshed and killing.” He added, “I’m not alone in feeling happy; the entire Gaza Strip is celebrating. All of the Arab world is rejoicing over this ceasefire.”

    “Thanks and love to everyone who stood with us and contributed to ending this violence. Sending you love from Gaza,” he concluded.

    The deal, which is set to be signed later Thursday, aims to facilitate the release of the remaining hostages and is a significant step toward ending a conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and caused a severe humanitarian crisis. The agreement also involves the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza after more than two years of devastating war initiated in October 2023 with an attack on Israel.

    Ayman al-Najjar, speaking from Khan Yunis, shared a sentiment of cautious happiness: “Despite all the wounds and loss of loved ones, today we are happy because of the ceasefire.” He recounted personal losses, including the death of his grandfather last week, but noted that, nonetheless, “We are happy today.”

    Among the celebrations were children, who cheered at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, following the announcement of the ceasefire.

    The war, which started on October 7, 2023, has resulted in 1,219 deaths, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israel’s military operations have caused at least 67,183 fatalities in the territory, figures considered credible by the United Nations. Militants also took 251 people hostage into Gaza, with 47 still held—including 25 believed to be dead, as per Israeli military reports.

    The ceasefire follows a 20-point peace plan for Gaza recently announced by then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Wael Radwan expressed relief, saying, “Thank God, President Trump declared the war is over; we are extremely happy. We thank our brothers and everyone who contributed, even just with words, to stopping this war and bloodshed.”

    Khaled Al-Namnam, 26, who is displaced in Al-Maghzai, central Gaza Strip, admitted he didn’t expect to hear such good news. “I woke up this morning to incredible news… everyone talking about ending the war, aid arriving, and crossings opening. I felt immense happiness,” he told AFP. “It’s a strange, indescribable feeling—after two years of bombing, fear, terror, and hunger. It’s like we’re being born again.”

  • What’s New About Trump’s Gaza Agreement?

    What’s New About Trump’s Gaza Agreement?

    Israeli forces and Hamas have reached an agreement on the initial phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza—a ceasefire and hostage exchange that could serve as a first step toward ending a conflict that has lasted for more than two years and destabilized the Middle East.

    Details are still emerging, but here’s what’s known so far:

    20-Point Framework
    This initial agreement stems from indirect negotiations in Egypt, coming just a day after the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. Trump announced that both parties have approved the first phase of the plan, which includes the imminent release of all hostages, both living and deceased, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to what has been called the yellow line in Gaza. A senior Israeli security official states this marks a boundary for an initial Israeli troop pullback under Trump’s plan. Hamas also confirmed reaching a deal to end the war, including Israeli withdrawal and a prisoner exchange, but emphasized the need for Trump and guarantor nations to ensure Israel fully implements the ceasefire.

    Unresolved Questions
    Many crucial details remain uncertain, such as the timing of further steps, the future administration governing Gaza, and the future role of Hamas. There’s no clarity on who will lead Gaza after the conflict ends. Israel, the U.S., Western, and Arab nations have all ruled out Hamas participating in governance, which Hamas has controlled since 2007. Trump’s original plan envisions a role for the Palestinian Authority, conditional on its reform.

    Next Steps
    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will hold a cabinet meeting to approve the agreement. Hamas reports that the first batch of released hostages will likely happen within 72 hours of Israeli approval. Israel expects the hostages’ release will start Saturday, with about 20 of the 48 hostages believed to still be alive. A White House official notes that once Israel gives the go-ahead, they will withdraw within 24 hours, after which a 72-hour countdown for hostage release begins—expected to start Monday.

    Hamas claims it has provided lists of hostages and Palestinian prisoners it seeks to swap. U.S. President Trump is considering regional visits soon and has invited to address Israel’s parliament, which he has indicated he’s willing to do. The next phase involves an international “Board of Peace,” led by Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, overseeing Gaza’s post-war administration.

    Potential Risks
    Success in this deal would be a major foreign policy win for Trump, who has long promised to bring quick resolution to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine—a promise that has proven more challenging than anticipated. Hamas has yet to agree to Israeli demands to disarm, citing ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands as a barrier. Disagreements also persist on the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal and guarantees attached to the ceasefire.

    While Israel has scaled back military operations in Gaza based on Trump’s encouragement, strikes have not stopped entirely. Arab nations backing the plan emphasize the goal of eventually establishing an independent Palestinian state, a prospect Israel’s Netanyahu firmly rejects. Hamas has indicated it would only cede Gaza governance to a Palestinian technocratic government overseen by the Palestinian Authority and supported by Arab and Muslim countries, rejecting any external or foreign control like that proposed by Blair.

    The list of prisoners Hamas aims to free includes some of the most prominent figures ever held by Israel, such as Fatah leader Marwan al-Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—both serving multiple life sentences. The peace process remains delicate, with many hurdles still to overcome before a stable resolution can be achieved.

  • How Trump Enabled the Gaza Deal

    How Trump Enabled the Gaza Deal

    A typical dramatic scene unfolded at the White House as Donald Trump’s top diplomat interrupted a televised meeting to slip a note into the President’s hand, whispering that a deal in Gaza was close. Moments later, Trump announced via his Truth Social platform, “Blessed are the peacemakers!” While the public spectacle played out, most of Trump’s efforts occurred behind the scenes, pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and rallying Arab nations to support the agreement.

    In efforts to secure a Nobel Peace Prize and boost his legacy, Trump adopted a different approach with Israel compared to past administrations. During a September 29 White House visit, Trump publicly expressed full support for Netanyahu, warning that if Hamas rejected the peace plan, Israel would have his backing to eliminate the militant group. Privately, however, he was applying pressure. The peace plan presented to Netanyahu had been prepared after extensive talks with Arab and Muslim countries at the UN the week prior. Netanyahu quickly realized there were crucial elements in the plan he couldn’t accept, particularly regarding his stance against establishing a Palestinian state.

    Trump was also frustrated by Israel’s missile strike on Hamas operatives in Qatar, an ally of the U.S., amid sensitive negotiations. To unify Arab backing, Trump exploited regional solidarity, compelling Netanyahu to call Qatar’s leader from the Oval Office to apologize. A White House photo showed Trump holding the phone for Netanyahu during the call. Reports indicated a senior Qatari official was in the room to ensure Netanyahu adhered to the narrative. Later, Trump authorized a unique security arrangement with Qatar.

    This pivot reflected the close ties Trump fostered with Gulf countries. During his first term, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco signed the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with Israel. His first trip to the Middle East in this term was exclusively to Qatar, Egypt, and Abu Dhabi, bypassing Israel altogether.

    Trump accelerated pressure on Hamas, giving them a deadline of October 5 to strike a deal or face severe consequences. Hamas responded cleverly, leveraging Trump’s well-known commitment to secure the release of Gaza hostages, a cause he repeatedly championed with White House visits. Trump declared victory, posting a video and re-sharing Hamas’s statement—an unusual move for a U.S. president—despite Hamas not fully agreeing to his entire peace plan. Instead of focusing on details, Trump urged Israel, Hamas, and mediators to expedite negotiations.

    He told Axios that he told Netanyahu, “This is your chance for victory,” implying Netanyahu had no choice but to accept the opportunity he presented.

  • Key Highlights of Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Ceasefire Plan

    Key Highlights of Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Ceasefire Plan

    US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan for Gaza on Monday, aiming to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The proposal calls for the immediate return of all hostages—both living and deceased—within 72 hours of a ceasefire. The plan leaves many specifics to be negotiated and depends on Hamas fighters accepting the terms, after initiating the war against Israel on October 7, 2023. It refers to a revamped Gaza as “New Gaza.”

    Key points of the proposal, developed after extensive negotiations involving Trump, his team, Israeli, and Arab leaders, include:

    – If both parties agree, fighting halts immediately. Israeli forces will execute a partial withdrawal to facilitate hostage releases. All military operations stop, and front lines are frozen until conditions are set for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
    – Within three days of Israel’s public acceptance, all hostages—alive or dead—must be handed over. Following the release of hostages, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023. For each Israeli hostage’s remains released, Israel will hand over the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.
    – Post-hostage release, Hamas members committed to peaceful coexistence and who surrender arms will be granted amnesty. Those wishing to leave Gaza will receive safe passage to host countries.
    – Upon agreement, aid will be immediately dispatched to Gaza, aligned with the levels specified in a January 19, 2025, accord. Aid deliveries will proceed unimpeded by Israel or Hamas through the United Nations and related agencies.
    – Gaza, once “deradicalized,” will be rebuilt to ensure it poses no threat to its neighbors and is developed for the benefit of its residents.
    – The plan proposes establishing a “Board of Peace,” led by Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in a yet-to-be-determined role. Gaza will be under temporary transitional governance led by a “technocratic, apolitical” committee composed of Palestinians and international experts, overseen by the Board of Peace. This body will set frameworks and manage funding for Gaza’s reconstruction until Palestinian authority reforms are in place.
    – A dedicated economic development team will craft a plan to rebuild Gaza, drawing on experts who have helped create successful Middle Eastern cities. A special economic zone will be established, with tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating nations.
    – No residents will be forced out of Gaza, which suffered extensive damage. Those who choose to leave can do so freely and are welcome to return, with encouragement to rebuild a better Gaza.
    – Hamas and allied factions would relinquish any governing role, directly or indirectly. All military infrastructure—including tunnels and weapons factories—would be destroyed under supervision from independent monitors.
    – The new Gaza will be committed to fostering a thriving economy and peaceful neighborly relations.
    – Regional partners will enforce compliance and ensure that Gaza’s reformation poses no threat.
    – The United States plans to collaborate with Arab and international allies to establish a temporary International Stabilization Force to deploy immediately in Gaza.
    – Israel will cease occupying or annexing Gaza. Its military will gradually transfer control to the International Stabilization Force.
    – The plan offers only a vague outline for Palestinian statehood but suggests that continued Gaza development and Palestinian Authority reforms could create conditions favorable for meaningful self-determination.
    – The US will facilitate dialogue between Israel and Palestinians toward an agreed-upon political framework for peaceful coexistence and prosperity.